Mazda, although smaller globally than Japanese brands like Toyota, Nissan, and Honda, has a rich history. Initially founded as a cork manufacturing company in 1920, it shifted to vehicle production in 1931. Mazda is known for taking risks, with some endeavors, such as the development of the MX-5, proving successful, while others, like the continued investment in rotary engines, faced challenges.<\/p>\n
The company’s recent long-term focus has been on the SkyActiv approach, aiming to make cars more efficient without compromising performance or the acclaimed ‘Zoom-Zoom’ and ‘jinba-ittai’ (rider and horse as one) driving feel for which Mazda is known.<\/p>\n
Elements of Mazda’s SkyActiv philosophy have been in production for over a decade, with the first car sold under the SkyActiv banner being the Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback BL Series 2 introduced in late 2011. These models were equipped exclusively with SkyActiv engines and transmissions, demonstrating a substantial 25.6% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to their predecessors.<\/p>\n
Today, Mazda’s entire range of sedans and SUVs incorporates a range of SkyActiv technologies. The only exception is the UT-50 BT-50 from Mazda, based on the Isuzu D-Max. However, Mazda asserts that, as the latest BT-50 features significantly more fuel-efficient engines than its predecessor, it aligns with the overall SkyActiv philosophy.<\/p>\n
It’s crucial to note that while Mazda’s current models share the SkyActiv brand with those sold a decade ago, the company has not been idle, regularly improving and refining SkyActiv technology.<\/p>\n
The Mazda SkyActiv engine family is more of a set of shared engineering principles and design elements, spanning a variety of naturally aspirated, turbocharged (both petrol and diesel), and hybrid engines. These engines include relatively high compression ratios for petrol engines and relatively low compression ratios for diesel engines.<\/p>\n
For petrol engines, Mazda claims that a high compression ratio enhances thermal efficiency, leading to better fuel economy while improving low and mid-range torque for better everyday driving. SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated petrol engines from Mazda typically use high compression ratios ranging from 13.0:1 to 15.0:1, including the innovative SkyActiv-X propulsion system. Even turbocharged SkyActiv-G petrol engines adopt a high compression ratio of 10.5:1, which is high compared to similar engines.<\/p>\n
To address the higher risk of engine knock associated with high compression ratios, Mazda employs a ‘4-2-1’ exhaust system, physically increasing the length of the exhaust manifold to reduce the chances of hot residual gas being forced back into the combustion chamber and inducing engine knock.<\/p>\n
For diesel engines, a low compression ratio of 14.0:1 is used, allowing Mazda’s diesel engines to comply with strict Euro 6 emission standards without the need for AdBlue or other exhaust gas treatments.<\/p>\n
Recent developments include the introduction of the e-SkyActiv G engine, incorporating a 24V mild-hybrid system to enhance fuel efficiency.<\/p>\n
One notable innovation in the SkyActiv engine lineup is the introduction of the SkyActiv-X engine. This engine combines aspects of both petrol and diesel engines through a process known as Spark Plug Controlled Compression Ignition (SPCCI). SPCCI uses a spark plug for initial ignition, creating a fireball to start the combustion process, similar to a petrol engine. However, the actual combustion of the air-fuel mixture occurs rapidly and consistently, resembling compression ignition, rather than the gradual combustion of a typical petrol engine.<\/p>\n
Mazda has also applied SkyActiv principles to transmissions, including both manual and automatic transmissions.<\/p>\n
The SkyActiv-MT manual transmission, used in models like the MX-5, aimed to replicate the MX-5’s shifting feel across the lineup, resulting in a 16% reduction in transmission weight. SkyActiv-Drive automatic transmissions offer a unique approach, utilizing a lock-up clutch that operates 80% of the time, enhancing smooth takeoff and slip characteristic, akin to a traditional automatic, with some of the responsiveness of a dual-clutch without common slipping or humming noises associated with CVTs.<\/p>\n
Mazda claims significant improvements in body and chassis under the SkyActiv philosophy, focusing on coordinating disparate structures to form a monocoque. The aim was to enhance load transfer and rigidity, favoring straighter, stiffer sections over previously curved aspects of the monocoque. Advanced welding and bonding techniques were employed to create a continuous bonding structure.<\/p>\n
Improvements in the body structure allowed Mazda to enhance safety by creating a refined multi-path load structure, ensuring that forces are distributed in multiple directions in the event of a collision.<\/p>\n
The use of a higher proportion of high-strength steel in SkyActiv body vehicles contributes to both strength and weight benefits.<\/p>\n
Suspension and steering systems may vary across models, but Mazda asserts that it has revised its approach to suspension development and introduced a new Electric Power Steering (EPS) system for improved stability at high speeds and agility at low speeds.<\/p>\n
Dynamic vehicle control technologies, such as G-Vectoring Control (GVC) and G-Vectoring Control Plus (GVC Plus), have been introduced to enhance handling during high-speed curves. These systems adjust torque output based on the driver’s steering and acceleration inputs, subtly improving vehicle turn-in.<\/p>\n
Overall, Mazda’s SkyActiv philosophy represents a comprehensive approach to vehicle design and engineering, aiming to balance efficiency, performance, and driving experience across its lineup.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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